Bungalow inferno in north Regina sends 5 to hospital

Five people were taken to hospital with smoke inhalation injuries, as fire tore through a bungalow in Regina's north end early Wednesday morning.

Deputy Chief Steve Bagley said one person was immediately rushed to the Regina General Hospital, and four others were sent as well, shortly after being treated at the scene.

The bungalow is at 103 Salemka Crescent, just off Argyle Street North and Ring Road.

A man who lives next door told CBC News that his neighbours had come to the house warning him and his family to get out. They ran to safety as the flames climbed several metres into the sky.

Neighbours on the other side of the burning home told CBC they were awakened by neighbours as well and got out safely. They watched from the cab of their truck, parked a short distance away.

The 911 calls started coming in at 5:28 a.m. CST, and Bagley said the first engine arrived at the scene six minutes later. Witnesses said the scene was cleared up by approximately 8:15.

A total of five fire engines and about 20 firefighters were eventually called to the scene as the victims were treated.

The blaze appeared to have started at the rear of the home, and the building was fully involved in flames when firefighters got to the scene.

An inspector will be at the house this morning, trying to determine the cause of the fire.

Did you see the fire? Email your photos to sasknews@cbc.ca